Abstract: A bone fracture fixation system comprises a bone plate configured to bear against a proximal surface of the bone and a plurality of elongated tension elements, each sized to pass through an opening in the bone plate and through the bone from the proximal surface to a distal surface thereof. Each tension element is anchored to the bone and maintained in tension by a distal anchor attached to said tension element and configured to engage the distal surface of the bone and a proximal anchor engageable between the bone plate and the tension element. In one method for fixation of a bone fracture, the bone plate is positioned on a proximal surface of the bone while the tension element is introduced into the bone and through an opening in the bone plate from an opposite distal surface of the bone.

Abstract: A bending tool is provided for reshaping a bone plate that is preassembled with a pair of spaced-apart threaded, cylindrical elements removably attached to the bone plate and extending above the top surface of the bone plate. The bending tool has a handle and a distal head attached to the distal end of the handle. The distal head has a cavity that is sized and shaped to fit over the pair of spaced-apart threaded, cylindrical elements. The user, while holding the bone plate, may manually apply a leverage force to the bending tool while the cavity of the distal head is fitted over the pair of spaced-apart threaded, cylindrical elements to transmit a sufficient, regionalized bending moment to the bone plate through the pair of threaded, cylindrical elements to reshape the bone plate.

Abstract: A drill guide system is provided for forming a hole along a desired trajectory in the bone of a surgical patient. The drill guide system comprises a drill bit defining a drill bit axis and a drill guide comprising a frame having a proximal arm and a distal arm fixedly spaced apart. The drill guide further comprises a first guide portion extending from the proximal arm and including a first channel defining a first guide axis, and a pointer projecting proximally from the distal arm and aligned with the first guide axis. The drill bit is transversely insertable into the first channel into an operational position in which the drill bit is constrained to translate only along the first guide axis.

Abstract: Apparatus (20, 120, 300) and methods for use in the performance of minimally invasive orthopedic procedures, including apparatus and methods for use in the performance of such procedures under the visualization of an endoscope (22), are herein disclosed. Such procedures include a minimally invasive intramedullary nailing procedure, a minimally invasive bone graft harvesting procedure, a minimally invasive pelvic osteotomy procedure, an orthopedic implant revision procedure, and a minimally invasive percutaneous bone plating procedure.

Abstract: An instrument system is provided for positioning an internal fixation prosthesis and guiding a cannulated bone drill during a surgical, radioscopic procedure for the repair of a fractured bone of a patient. The instrument system includes a target wire, a handle formed from a radio translucent material having a target hole for guided passage of the target wire along a target axis. The target axis coincides with the intersection of a first plane and a second plane orthogonal to the first plane. The instrument system also includes a nose component attached to an end of the handle and removably connectable to the prosthesis. The nose component includes an alignment sight formed from a radio-opaque material.

Abstract: An instrument system is provided for positioning an internal fixation prosthesis and guiding a cannulated bone drill during a surgical, radioscopic procedure for the repair of a fractured bone of a patient. The instrument system includes a target wire, a handle formed from a radio translucent material having a target hole for guided passage of the target wire along a target axis. The target axis coincides with the intersection of a first plane and a second plane orthogonal to the first plane. The instrument system also includes a nose component attached to an end of the handle and removably connectable to the prosthesis. The nose component includes an alignment sight formed from a radio-opaque material.